Chief Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State, has called for urgent restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system, stressing that true independence and genuine national development hinge on devolving power, not merely acquiring the presidency.
In a recent interview, Udenwa cautioned against putting the cart before the horse by pursuing a presidency without prior constitutional reforms. He urged Nigerians to demand entrenched restructuring before engaging in elections, noting that a restored presidency without restructuring would mean little .
Describing the current power structure as increasingly centralised, Udenwa argued that states and regions must have the autonomy to address their own growth and security. He stated, “It is useless having an election again in this country without first restructuring the country… What do you want to achieve if you cede the presidency to the Igbo? What do the Igbo want to achieve with the president without restructuring?” .
Highlighting regional marginalisation, he pointed out imbalances such as unequal railway infrastructure, narrow-gauge lines in the East versus standard gauges elsewhere, which he said would not occur in a properly decentralised federation .
Udenwa described restructuring as a win-win solution, capable of uniting diverse regions by enabling equitable resource control, improving governance, and empowering local administrations .
His remarks echo similar calls from other Southeast leaders and organisations like Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who at public constitutional amendment hearings in Owerri, also advocated for regional autonomy, equitable resource sharing, and an empowered federal structure .
Udenwa warned that failure to restructure may drive greater unrest and stoke secessionist sentiments, while genuine state-level authority could bring lasting economic and social harmony .
As calls for constitutional review gain momentum, Udenwa’s position places restructuring at the centre of Nigeria’s political discourse, urging leaders and citizens to forge a federation built on balance, devolution, and inclusivity.